‘Stop blessing corridas’: Animal rights activists protest THIS ‘blood sport’ during Pope’s weekly audience

Pope Francis' weekly general audience on Wednesday (August 7) was briefly interrupted by animal rights activists protesting against bullfighting.

'Stop blessing corridas'

Two women brandishing banners with slogans including "Bullfighting is a sin" walked down an aisle of the Vatican's Paul VI hall. The women were wearing white T-shirts that had PETA logos and read "Stop blessing corridas," the Spanish term for bullfighting, a controversial spectacle.

The two activists started shouting slogans as soon as the audience went underway and were escorted out by security.

According to AFP, Wednesday's protest was one of many that have occurred in the past couple of years, urging the Argentinian pope to publicly oppose bullfighting.

Why is bullfighting controversial?

Bullfighting or "corridas" is a controversial tradition practised in various places, including Spain, several Latin American countries and parts of southern France and Portugal.

The brutal sports see men on horseback first lance the bull at its neck. At this point, another person attempts to plant sharp sticks into the animal's shoulders.

While considered a cultural tradition in many parts of the world, including Spain, the blood sport involves taunting and stabbing the bull before killing it.

According to the international charity PETA, every year thousands of bulls are slaughtered in these traditional sports all over the world.

Pope's stand on bullfighting

In the 16th century, one of Pope Francis' predecessors, Pope Pius V, outlawed bullfighting. At the time, PopePius V called the traditional practice "better suited to demons rather than men."

Despite that, according to PETA, catholic priests continue to officiate religious ceremonies in bullfights and minister to bullfighters in chapels built inside arenas.

However, as per Reuters, Pope Francis, who has made protection of the environment a signature part of his 11-year papacy, has yet to comment on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies)